Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons^™

Conservative Management Of An Adult With Chronic Low Back Pain, Crystal Braun

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: The purpose of this case study is to describe the conservative management of a male patient with chronic low back pain. This report will provide an insight to the benefits of an individualized treatment program combining therapeutic exercises, the McKenzie Method along with a Lumbar Extension MedX strengthening program.

Case Description: This case study describes the treatment of a 34 year old male computer programmer suffering from low back pain.

Intervention: The patient was treated using directional preference~ segmental stabilization, lumbar extension MedX strengthening, and other physiotherapy exercises. He received treatment twice a week for …

Effects Of A Physical Therapy Program For A Patient With Shoulder Adhesive Capsulitis, Renee Aune

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background & Purpose: Adhesive capsulitis is a musculoskeletal condition that has a disabling capability. The physiological changes that occur within the relevant connective tissue drive the intervention for functional improvement. There is often recovery, but it is not known whether a targeted intervention aimed at this type of patient is better than another regarding recovery. The purpose of this case report is to examine the multiple effects of a physical therapy intervention program with emphasis on improved function and quality of life.

Case Description: A single-case study of a 56-year-old female demonstrating the effects of a physical therapy program in …

Acute Care Physical Therapy Management Of An Elderly Patient With Posterior-Lateral Approach Total Hip Replacement, Kristi J. Mackedanz

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: This article describes the acute care physical therapy management of an 88 year old female who underwent elective left posterior lateral approach total hip arthroplasty surgery. The patient was seen post-operative day one presenting with extreme pain, decreased functional mobility, and decreased range of motion and strength. Total hip arthroplasty has become a common surgery among the elder population to improve their functional and decrease pain occurring in their hip. The purpose of this article is to describe the interventions used with this patient, such as bed exercises, ambulation, and the functional outcome.

Case Description: This patient …

Skin Care Management In Outpatient Setting Of Lower Extremity Venous Ulcers, Stacy L. Roush

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose. This report will discuss the treatment options selected during eight weeks of therapy for a patient with chronic venous ulcers (CVUs) located on bilateral lower extremities. Venous ulcers can be very painful and are typically difficult to heal as a result of venous inefficiency. In many instances they inhibit the patient’s lifestyle depending on their location and severity.

Case Description. The patient seen was referred to physical therapy as his wounds had not shown any improvement since they were initially evaluated in April, 2008. Patient has history of lower extremity edema which was controlled by the use …

The Benefits Of Traditional Physical Therapy And Primal Reflex Release Technique In Treating Chronic Low Back Pain, Kenneth Worlanyo Wutoh

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: Low back pain (LBP) is very prevalent in the general population. It is estimated that 79% of the population will experience low back pain during a lifetime. The purpose of this case report is to elaborate on the importance of traditional physical therapy interventions and to introduce the use of a new technique: primal reflex release technique (PRRT) in the treatment of LBP.

Case Description: The client was a 74-year-old female with history of multiple falls resulting in a vertebral fracture that was reduced by a kyphoplasty. Her chief complaints were pain in the T12 - L1 …

Virtual Environments And Sensory Integration: Effects Of Aging And Stroke, Nicoleta L. Bugnariu, Joyce Fung

All Faculty Scholarship

Research was carried out on the effects of aging and sensory motor defi cits following strokes with respect to the capacity of the central nervous system to resolve sensory confl icts created by Virtual Reality (VR). The results of this research demonstrate that VR can be a valuable tool for therapeutic interventions that require an adaptation to complex, multimodal environments. The rehabilitation protocols include balancing training in virtual environments.

Les études qui ont été menées sur les effets du vieillissement et des défi cits sensori-moteurs consé-cutivement aux accidents vasculaires cérébraux concernent la capacité du système nerveux cen-tral à résoudre les …

Psychosocial Responses To Spinal Cord Injury As Predictors Of Pressure Sores, Hanoch Livneh, Samuel T. Gontkovsky, Dobrivoje S. Stokic, Erin Martz

Counselor Education Faculty Publications and Presentations

Pressure sores are a preventable, but common, secondary complication of a spinal cord injury (SCI). Research is limited concerning the influence of psychological factors in the development of pressure sores. The purpose of our ex post facto study was to examine the role that emotional responses and coping strategies play in moderating the relationships between demographic and SCI-related medical variables and the frequency and severity of pressure sores. Ninety-five individuals, who sustained a sudden-onset SCI, completed a self-report questionnaire sent to the population of patients that received post-injury rehabilitation services at a rehabilitation center in the southern U.S. Multiple regression …

The Effects Of Whole Body Vibration On Bone Mineral Density For A Person With A Spinal Cord Injury: A Case Study, Ronald Davis, Charlotte Sanborn, David Nichols, David M. Bazett-Jones, Eric Dugan

Kinesiology Faculty Publications and Presentations

Bone mineral density (BMD) loss is a medical concern for individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). Concerns related to osteoporosis have lead researchers to use various interventions to address BMD loss within this population. Whole body vibration (WBV) has been reported to improve BMD for postmenopausal women and suggested for SCI. The purpose of this case study was to identify the effects of WBV on BMD for an individual with SCI. There were three progressive phases (standing only, partial standing, and combined stand with vibration), each lasting 10 weeks. Using the least significant change calculation, significant positive changes in BMD …

A Benefits-Based Study Of Appalachian Trail Users: Validation And Application Of The Benefits Of Hiking Scale, Barbara Freidt, Eddie Hill, Edwin Gomez, Marni Goldenberg

Human Movement Studies & Special Education Faculty Publications

Lack of exercise has been linked to poor health issues (e.g., obesity) in American society. National (e.g., Appalachian Trail) and local trails are a potential resource for championing physical activity. To challenge sedentary lifestyle choices and promote more active ones, an understanding of the benefits perceived to be associated with physical and outdoor activities is needed. A total of 454 Appalachian Trail user surveys were collected. Validity analyses and reliability analyses showed the Benefits of Hiking Scale to be an accurate and consistent measure of the dimensions of recreation benefits. Within the improved condition dimension of Benefits, significant differences were …

Digital Human Models Of People With Disabilities, Ron Hamameh

Wayne State University Theses

The current state-of-the-art in Digital Human Modeling (DHM) allows for full simulation and analysis of any task a person is required to perform at home, at work, in the military, in space, in sports, etc. The problem is that the software is missing a very important population: people with physical disabilities. What modifications and enhancements must be made to existing, commercially available DHM software to include this population?

State Agency Promising Practice: Massachusetts - Using A Collaborative, Person-Centered Planning Approach To Facilitate Community Employment, Jennifer Bose, Jaimie Ciulla Timmons, Thinkwork! At The Institute For Community Inclusion At Umass Boston

ThinkWork! Publications

The Northeast Region Supported Employment Project was developed by the North Shore area office of the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services in 2007. This pilot program, open to any individual with ID/DD who wanted to work, emphasized a person-centered planning approach to achieving the individuals’ goals for employment in the community. The project emphasized the individual’s choice of employment providers, collaboration with the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC), and use of an independent facilitator to support career and life planning. The project was spearheaded by two DDS administrators dedicated to communicating the value of community-based employment to the Department.

State Agency Promising Practice: Maryland - Collaborating To Promote Self-Employment For People With Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities, Jennifer Bose, Thinkwork! At The Institute For Community Inclusion At Umass Boston

ThinkWork! Publications

Self-employment has emerged as a viable option for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD). To meet increased self-employment demands, Maryland’s Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA), in collaboration with the Maryland Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS), adapted services offered through the Reach Independence through Self Employment (RISE) program. The RISE program, funded by DORS, provides technical assistance and financial support to people starting their own businesses. DDA’s role in this self-employment initiative has helped people with IDD start a wide variety of businesses and achieve meaningful employment.

State Agency Promising Practice: Michigan’S Job Development Incentive, Jaimie Ciulla Timmons, Thinkwork! At The Institute For Community Inclusion At Umass Boston

ThinkWork! Publications

Michigan’s Department of Community Health, Mental Health and Substance Abuse Administration (MDCH) has expressed a strong desire to improve the state’s employment outcomes among people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Set against this desire is a major obstacle: Michigan is among the states hardest hit by the continuing economic recession, with the highest unemployment rate in the nation. MCDH delivers supports through local Community Mental Health Services Programs (CMHSPs). These CMHSPs not only experience differences in employment rates but also have high variability in their funding levels and structures, payment methodologies, and reimbursement mechanisms. Local CMHSPs individualize their contracts …

An International Service Learning Guide For Occupational Therapy Students And Clinicians, Alicai D. Bohrer, Emily A. Kringle

Occupational Therapy Capstones

"We ourselves feel that what we are doing is just a drop in the ocean. But the ocean would be less because of that missing drop" -Mother Teresa

Increased diversity within the U.S. demands the education of occupational therapy clinicians who can deliver culturally responsive care. The number of immigrants to the U.S. is at an all-time high and the African-American and Hispanic populations are expected to double by mid-century (U.S. Census Bureau, 2008). Occupational therapy students and entry-level clinicians have identified the need for more information, resources, and experience with people from different cultures (Murden et aI., 2008). Service …

Easing The Transition Into Long Term Care: An Occupation Based Approach, Sarah Boroos, Janel Ludenia

Occupational Therapy Capstones

The purpose of this scholarly project is to present methods to help ease the transition process for older adults into a long term care (LTC) facility using a meaningful occupation based approach. An estimated .9% of the community dwelling individuals versus 72% of long term care residents exhibit some form of depression (Harris & Haffer, 2003; Harris, 2007). Consequently residents experience decrease functional status and decreased quality of life. A comprehensive literature review of adults' transitioning into LTC facilities was conducted using PubMed, Ebsco, Psychlnfo, Scopus, OT search, CINAHL, AJOT, textbooks, and the internet. The literature supp0l1s the need for …

Integrating The Nintendo Wii Into Therapy: Resources For Occupational Therapy Practitioners, Ashley Bowersox, Sarah Lund

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Therapists have the challenge of identifying a variety of interesting, meaningful, and purposeful intervention activities for individuals needing rehabilitation services (Weiss, Rand, Katz, & Kizony, 2004). The purpose of this project was to develop educational resources for occupational therapists on the integration of the Nintendo Wii as an intervention.

An extensive literature review was conducted using PubMed, SCOPUS, CINAHL, professional journals, and news articles to investigate the health related effects of utilizing virtual reality and video games in the rehabilitation process. Currently, there is minimal research identifying the benefits of video games in occupational therapy practice and no protocols were …

An Exploratory Study Examining Interprofessional Collaboration Between Occupational Therapy And Physical Therapy Practitioners And Students, Matthew Cappetta, Roberta Carrlson

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: The purpose of this research was to explore the relationship between occupational therapy and physical therapy students and practitioners. Historically there has been limited research conducted that pertains specifically to the interprofessional collaboration of occupational and physical therapy students and practitioners. For the purposes of this study the researchers examined the relationships between occupational and physical therapy students, the relationships between practicing occupational therapists and physical therapists, and differences and similarities of their relationships with respect to variables thought to impact interprofessional collaboration.

Methods: A non-experimental survey research design was used to gather and analyze information from the participants. …

Activity Strategy Workbook For Mothers Experiencing Multiple Sclerosis, Skylar Davis, Elizabeth Meyer

Occupational Therapy Capstones

The purpose of this scholarly project was to create a resource for mothers diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) to promote optimal success and independence in the motherhood role. The resulting workbook targets the mothering activities of individuals who have been newly diagnosed with MS and are raising young, pre-school aged children. The product provides education and guidance to optimize the mother's ability to care for herself and her child or children.

A comprehensive literature review was conducted to examine current best practice and treatment guidelines for MS, the influence of MS on both the parent and child, and also common …

The Promotion Of Pediatric Sensory Integration Using Small Animals In A Clinical Or Classroom Environment: A Resource For Occupational Therapists, Nina Perez Jackson

Occupational Therapy Capstones

The purpose of this scholarly project was to create and provide a program to assist occupational therapists in setting up, managing, and providing animal assisted activities and therapies (AAA/T) as a useful conjunction with sensory integration therapy.

A review of the literature revealed a lack of information for occupational therapists to provide AAA/T with children. The research revealed that the use of sensory integration therapy as a pre-established framework to implement AAA/T would provide a research based platform to present a program incorporating animals into therapy.

Based on the literature findings, a product was developed to guide occupational therapists in …

Elderly In Prison: A Programming Protocol, Chelsey Hunt, Sarah Janke

Occupational Therapy Capstones

The current U.S. correctional system is structured for the young, well, able-bodied prisoner and does not take into consideration the extensive needs of elderly inmates. The number of elderly inmate has been steadily increasing and is going to continue to rise with the increase of age expectancy of the average American and changes in in sentencing policies that increase the length of stay in prisons (Potter, Cashin, Chenoweth, Jeon, 2007; The Sentencing Project, 2005). Currently elderly inmates make up 12% of the federal prison population (Mauer, King, Young, 2004, p. 24).

An extensive literature review was conducted to determine the …